Cyber Essentials: A Practical Route to Stronger Cyber Security for SMEs

Cybersecurity is a growing concern for small and medium-sized businesses. Threats are increasing, customer expectations are rising, and compliance requirements are becoming more common. Yet many SMEs simply do not have the internal time or resources to tackle cybersecurity frameworks on their own.

That is exactly where Cyber Essentials helps.

Cyber Essentials is a UK government backed scheme designed to protect organisations against the most common cyber threats. It provides a clear baseline for good cyber hygiene and helps businesses reduce risk, improve resilience, and demonstrate responsible security practices.

FUTERA helps SMEs prepare for and achieve Cyber Essentials certification, supporting both Basic and Plus levels through a structured, supported process.

The majority of cyber-attacks affecting SMEs rely on basic weaknesses rather than advanced hacking techniques. Unpatched systems, weak access controls, insecure remote working tools, and poorly configured devices remain common entry points.

Cyber Essentials focuses on addressing these issues across five core areas:

• Firewalls and secure configuration
• User access control
• Malware protection
• Patch management
• Secure remote and mobile working

Guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre consistently shows that organisations applying these controls significantly reduce their exposure to common cyber-attacks.

Beyond security, Cyber Essentials also supports commercial credibility. Many organisations now require certification to work within their supply chain, bid for contracts, or meet insurer and customer expectations. For SMEs, it provides a recognised way to demonstrate that cyber risk is being managed responsibly.

Operating without clear cybersecurity controls increases exposure across several areas:

• Greater susceptibility to phishing and ransomware attacks
• Higher risk of data breaches involving customer or employee information
• Business disruption and unplanned downtime
• Loss of customer confidence and reputational damage
• Barriers when responding to tenders or compliance requests

Smaller organisations are often targeted because attackers expect weaker defences. Cyber Essentials helps close those gaps using achievable, clearly defined standards.

Cyber Essentials Basic validates that essential controls are in place through a structured assessment of your environment.

Cyber Essentials Plus builds on this by including independent technical verification, such as vulnerability testing, to confirm controls are working as intended.

FUTERA supports businesses through either route, helping determine the right level based on risk, contractual requirements, and operational complexity.

Many SMEs understand the value of Cyber Essentials but struggle with preparation. Technical gaps, uncertainty around requirements, or concern about failing can delay progress.

FUTERA removes that friction by providing practical, hands-on support throughout the journey.

1. Scoping and Consultation
   We start by understanding why Cyber Essentials matters to your business. This may be driven by contract requirements, risk reduction, insurance, or overall cyber maturity.
2. Pre Assessment Audit
   Your environment is reviewed to identify anything that could prevent certification. This often includes unsupported operating systems, patching gaps, shared administrator accounts, insecure remote access, or policy weaknesses.
3. Fixes and Recommendations
   Where issues are identified, we work with you to resolve them or provide clear recommendations. This may involve configuration changes, tooling improvements, or process updates.
4. Readiness Review
   We confirm controls are implemented correctly and aligned with certification requirements before submission.
5. Submission and Certification
   Once ready, we manage the submission process. On approval, your Cyber Essentials certificate is issued and remains valid for 12 months.

Cyber Essentials is designed to be achievable for small and medium-sized businesses, but success depends on preparation and accuracy. Small oversights can lead to delays or rework.

FUTERA provides a structured, low stress approach that focuses on improving security in a meaningful way, while helping businesses achieve certification with confidence.